Are automatic controls non-mandatory for areas less than 30 sqm only and other spaces are to be provided with automatic controls or entire ECBC Clause 7.2.1.1 is non-mandatory for GRIHA registered projects.

Query

ECBC 7.2.1.1 states that buildings larger than 500 sq. m shall have automatic control devices for interior lighting. Areas less than 30 sq. m must be provided with occupancy sensors and for other spaces automatic control devices must function on either schedule basis at specific programmed times or occupancy sensors that turn the lighting off within 30 mins. of the occupants leaving the space. Amendment in Criterion 14, GRIHA Version 3.1 says that 'installation of occupancy sensors in rooms less than 30 sq. m is a recommended practice as per ECBC 7.2.1.1; however, it is not a mandate under GRIHA'. Please clarify that if automatic controls is non-mandatory for areas less than 30 sqm only and other spaces are to be provided with automatic controls or entire ECBC Clause 7.2.1.1 is non-mandatory for GRIHA registered projects.

Solution

In GRIHA V 3.1, with respect to ECBC Clause 7.2.1.1, only automatic controls for areas less than 30 sqm is non-mandatory. However, the clause requirement for providing automatic control devices for other spaces is still mandatory.